Ness Bank Church

This project addressed the pressing need for Ness Bank Church of Scotland to comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act for access to the Church; and to provide for a rapid expansion in the congregational and youth and other activities, by providing 'shell' space for subsequent development in catering, offices, youth club space etc.

The solution, reached after extensive discussions with the Local Authority and Historic Scotland, was to provide a new vehicle and access 'deck' at the upper (access) level on the sloping site adjoining the River Ness; this would enable reformed access steps, a new ramp and - crucially - vehicle pull-in space for wedding and funeral cars; a facility which the Church was sorely lacking.

Simpson Builders was chosen as the contractor for the works. Construction was highly complex and demanded a high level of ability in programming, site management and handling construction in constricted areas, traffic management and maintaining access to a working building. In terms of specification, detailing and finishes, the Listed nature of the Church and the need for the new works to compliment and match the original building in materials, finishes, masonry work etc. similarly required a high level of skill.

As Architects and Lead Consultants for the project we have nothing but praise for the professional, effective and co-operative way in which the project was realised by the principal contractors, Simpsons. The difficult construction challenges inherent in the project were addressed well and good relations with the client and the design team were maintained at all times.

HRI Architects